Hiking & outdoor recreationLength11.8 km
Duration(3-5 h)
Degree of difficultyHard
Pieni Karhunkierros Trail is one of Finland’s most popular hiking trails. The trail is like a miniature model of Oulanka National Park, as its 12-km trail offers plenty of landscapes characteristic of Oulanka National Park landscapes – from rugged canyons to rushing rapids and suspension bridges to spectacular lookout points. This trail passes by Myllykoski mill, which may be the most photographed landscape in Finland. The trail is demanding due to its length and differences in elevation. The trail has several sets of wooden stairs, which are long and steep in places. Campfire sites and dry toilets are available at Myllykoski, Jyrävä and Harrisuvanto. There are three suspension bridges along the trail.
- There are restricted areas: It is forbidden to enter the area of Juuman vuomat from 1 April to 31 December, except for along the marked trails. You must travel along the marked trail when hiking along the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail.
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is counterclockwise. The first 1.5 km follows the same route out and back. The circle trail section starts at Myllykoski.
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Camping permittedCamping is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of marked rest areas and campfire sites and huts.
HutMyllykoski day-use hut, Siilastupa open wilderness hut
Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins on the trail. Bring along your own trash bag and take your waste out with you when leaving.
No water point
No winter maintenanceThe trail usually remains open throughout the winter due to its use by snowshoers. In winter ice grippers are recommended, snowshoes might be needed.
Read more about the trail
Contact information
Starting pointJuumantie 133, 93900 Kuusamo
The trail has green trail markings. The 82-km Karhunkierros hiking trail, which is marked in orange, also follows the same route for part of the way.
The trail starts under a wooden gate at the edge of the parking area. The toilets at the starting point are located 200 metres away in the Ala-Juuma camping area. The toilets are only open in summer when the camping area is open (June-September).
After walking 350 metres, hikers come to the first suspension bridge, which is called Niskakoski. There are steep stairs down to and up from the bridge.
After the suspension bridge, the easy trail continues past the Basecamp Oulanka hotel-restaurant and towards Myllykoski Rapids. The distance from the starting point to Myllykoski is 1.5 km. Myllykoski day-use hut, a campfire site, dry toilet and suspension bridge are located at Myllykoski.
The circle section of the trail begins at Myllykoski. When hiking in the counter-clockwise direction, it begins with stairs leading towards Jyrävä Waterfall and Siilastupa open wilderness hut.
The distance from Myllykoski to Jyrävä is 1.6 km. There are steep stairs on the trail right after leaving Myllykoski and when arriving at Jyrävä. Otherwise, the route is fairly flat. This part of the trail provides a chance to see Aallokkokoski Rapids, which is the longest series of rapids on Kitkajoki River.
Jyrävä Waterfall has a drop of nine metres over a distance of a few metres. Siilastupa open wilderness hut is located on the shore of the pool after Jyrävä.
There is one campfire site next to Siilastupa open wilderness hut, and another one is located 60 metres farther on at the Jyrävä shelter.
The distance from Jyrävä to the next campsite at Harrisuvanto is 3.9 km. This section of the route is easy, and along the way you can see Kalliosaari Island. You cross the longest suspension bridge on the trail at Harrisuvanto.
After the Harrisuvanto campsite, the trail continues towards Kallioportti. This section includes a restricted zone where hiking is only permitted on the marked trail between 1 April and 31 December. When arriving at Kallioportti, hikers climb the longest and steepest steps on the trail (approximately 300 steps). There is a lookout point on top of Kallioportti with view that carries far across the landscape.
The trail continues from Kallioportti for 2.2 km towards Myllykoski Rapids. This part of the trail has some duckboards, and it passes Pyöreälampi Pond and crosses a trail bridge over Putaanoja Stream. The trail crosses a suspension bridge when arriving at Myllykoski.
From Myllykoski, the trail continues back to Juuma village along the same path that you arrived on.
End pointJuumantie 133, 93900 Kuusamo